Bratislava is known to be a fairly budget-friendly travel destination, but if you’re still keen to save some cash, here are some fantastic suggestions. Lucie, our local ambassador for the Slovak capital, shares her top 10 favourite things to do and see for free.
1. Enjoy wonderful views over Bratislava from the Slavín War Memorial
There are several hills in Bratislava where you can enjoy great views over the city, Slavín being one of the best. It’s actually the burial ground of thousands of Soviet soldiers who fell to their deaths in Bratislava during WWII. You can see almost the entire city from this peaceful place, including both banks of the Danube river and even the Austrian and Hungarian borders. The hill itself is located in a neighbourhood where you can find works by some of the greatest figures in 20th-century Slovak architecture, such as Dušan Jurkovič, Friedrich Weinwurm and Ignác Vécsei.
Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko
2. Feel the history of the city by the banks of the Danube river
Slovakia was only established as an independent nation in 1993. In front of the Slovak National Theatre you’ll find historical monuments constructed after the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Behind the statue of Štefánik you’ll see a lion holding the coat of arms of Czechoslovakia. If you get tired of all the history, it’s also the best place for a picnic by the Danube river. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko
3. Watch the sunset at Magio Beach
Yes, there’s a beach in Bratislava. It’s located between the UFO restaurant and the Old Bridge. Every summer Slovak Telecom fills the area with tonnes of sand and plenty of deckchairs. There are free film screenings in the evenings, as well as concerts and beach volleyball courts. It’s one of the most wonderful places to watch the sun set over the Danube river and Bratislava Castle. You can relax with a refreshing beer or glass of wine – that’s the only thing you’ll have to pay for here.
Photo credit: welcometobratislava.eu
4. Admire art and artefacts in a gallery or museum
The Slovak National Gallery offers free admission to all of its exhibitions. It houses modern and classical Slovak art, including Gothic and baroque paintings and sculptures. The Slovak National Museum and the Transport Museum are also free of charge on the first Sunday of every month.
Photo credit: Slovak National Gallery
5. Meet some local artists
There’s a small bar on Panenská street called Next Apache, which literally translates to “here you are”. Inside you’ll find a great selection of second-hand English and Slovak books of all genres, as well as some newspapers. Of course you can buy the books, but it’s absolutely fine to just read them on the spot. It’s the perfect place to chill out in the company of local artists.
Photo credit: Dušan Teplan
6. Sample some local produce
Every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm (from 8 am in July and August) there’s a bustling food market in the Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica). Most stallholders offer samples, making it a great place to get to know the Slovak kitchen. The building also regularly hosts various concerts, performances and exhibitions.
Photo credit: Stará tržnica
7. Discover the forgotten defence system
Czechoslovakia decided to build bunkers around its borders after the rise of fascism in the 1930s, but because of the Munich Agreement in 1938, they’ve never actually been used. Several reminders of this period have been preserved, Petržalka in particular. It used to sit on the Iron Curtain border that separated Czechoslovakia from Austria. The best way to explore the area is by bike. You’ll see monumental communist-era housing developments full of concrete panel buildings and maybe even stumble across some of the abandoned bunkers!
Photo credit: Henning Klokkeråsen
8. Take a ride in Paternoster
A paternoster is a special type of elevator consisting of a chain of linked compartments that move slowly and continuously. There are three buildings in Bratislava with these extraordinary lifts. Riding in one is like taking a trip back to your childhood – everyone is always anxious to see what will happen once it reaches the top floor! There’s one in the Ministry of Transport and another in the Železnice Slovenskej republiky building on Klemensova street.
Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko
9. Admire art nouveau in blue
You don’t have to be a fan of architecture to fall in love with the Church of St. Elizabeth, or the “Little Blue Church” as it’s more commonly known. Built in the Hungarian secessionist style, it’s considered to be the most beautiful church in Bratislava. It’s open in the early mornings and in the evenings. If you do visit it, be sure to look across the street. There is a wonderful declining functionalist building that was formerly a hospital.
Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko
10. Pay a visit to the Slovak president
The presidential palace, Grassalkovich Palace, is not open to the public. You can, however, visit the beautiful French garden behind it. One of Slovakia’s presidents was a huge fan of gardening and encouraged many famous politicians to plant trees here. It’s open from 10 am to 7 pm, and even later in summer.
Photo credit: Marcin Szala
For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Bratislava
Where locals like to eat in Bratislava
Where locals like to party in Bratislava
Special tip: For a more authentic Bratislava experience, get the Like A Local mobile app